We receive a lot of compliments on how great-looking our black labrador retriever, Tucket, is. I’ve said this before...he’s so much more than a handsome dog! Some dogs have this amazing ability to sense seizures in people with Epilepsy. Tucket is one of those dogs. He’s not formally trained in seizure alert or aid, but he just has that gift. Now…if he could only channel his talents to his ‘little brother’, my 17 month old Golden Retriever, Charlie!

Tucket, Hayden, me and Charlie!

A film aired last evening on PBS, Through the a Dog’s Eyes, which profiles Canine Assistants. They provide service dogs to those in need, including some people with Epilepsy. Their founder, Jennifer Arnold, has MS and it has become her life’s mission to provide assistance dogs to those who need them most. They do train Seizure Alert dogs. There is no cost to those who take the dogs…which is remarkable! For those of us with Epilepsy, having someone or something with you at all times who can sense an oncoming seizure, what a gift!

If you’ve ever been alone and had a seizure, you can relate to how lonely and brutal the episode can be. Granted most of our seizures can be described as brutal…but the notion of having a dog next to you to provide support and assistance is a remarkable thought. And, the fact that the dog can sense the oncoming seizure if even more fantastic.

Check your local PBS station to find out if this film will air again, you can watch it online or you can order the DVD. Trust me…watch it and it will not only change the way you feel about dogs, but it will make your day!

Photo courtesy of Canine Assistants

Photo courtesy of Canine Assistants